[Campbell Biology P.237] Which of the following statements best describes the fundamental di... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements best describes the fundamental difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

  • A: Autotrophs produce their own organic molecules from inorganic materials, while heterotrophs obtain organic molecules by consuming other organisms or their remains.
  • B: Autotrophs are primarily consumers in an ecosystem, whereas heterotrophs are the producers.
  • C: Heterotrophs can perform photosynthesis, but autotrophs cannot.
  • D: Both autotrophs and heterotrophs obtain energy directly from sunlight.

Explanation

Autotrophs are 'self-feeders' that produce their own organic molecules from inorganic raw materials, such as CO2, using energy from light photoautotrophs or chemical reactions chemoautotrophs . Heterotrophs, on the other hand, are 'other-feeders' that obtain organic molecules by consuming other organisms or their remains. Therefore, autotrophs are the producers of the biosphere, while heterotrophs are the consumers.